I use 3 at a time but have another 4 i can turn to at any given moment and make it work.

I focus most on COC when I'm analyzing a purchase, and then once it's up and running, I look at IRR to consider whether selling or refinancing would make sense at any given moment. 

If the cash flow from a free and clear portfolio will be enough for you to live on, and that's your goal, then that moment of financial freedom is as far away as your amortization lasts, so going with the 20 year makes sense.On the other end of the spectrum, taking the long amortization and doing a cash-out refi every 7-10 years, depending on appreciation, is another strategy way to go.

There are a few pockets that resemble North Park with beautiful restored homes, owner occupied, etc.  

While most of the houses I buy can be considered ugly, to me... they're beautiful!

welcome, between the webinars/podcasts/blog/forums, there is never a boring moment for a newbie

The beauty of owner financing is that you and the seller can set any terms you want as long as you both agree to them. 

Right now I am in full gear gobbling up podcasts, books, and analyzing on my own the deals the beautiful community on BP members put up for me to practice with ;) I have started networking, and have plans to attend two different REIA meetings in my area this month. 

At the moment we have some money set aside for a down payment but are having trouble finding financing options.

I'm in a good situation to where I don't need to realize the income at this moment and can instead take the profit from my first property and buy another, and then repeat.